How does Monochrome Photo mode compare with the Epson ABW mode and Cone Neutral K7 inks?
Note: Many people find that printing B&W using color profiles works extremely well and is more flexible, as discussed in this thread.
A comparison was done by John Hollenberg on Epson Enhanced Matte with results as follows:
Cone NK7 on Epson 2200 - very smooth tonal transitions, luminosity of highlights slightly less than Epson ABW mode; slightly warm (b* of 1-2 in all areas except deep shadows and highlights--very pleasing. Subjective rating 98. Epson 2400 ABW Mode - tonal transitions not as smooth (e.g., clouds), but highlights slightly more luminous than NK7. Subjective rating 97. Canon IPF5000 - prints measured as most neutral of the three prints, but appeared to have a yellowish/greenish hue under 4700 degree Solux task lamp. The midtones/highlights did not appear to track with paper white (which the Epson ABW mode and Cone NK7 inks did,and is the recommendation on the Epson Digital B&W list). This may have been the reason for the unpleasant appearance. It may be that a paper with a warm or neutral white point would not have this drawback (not tested yet). Subjective rating 70.
Update: Prints on Epson Premium Glossy were much better, so it may be that Epson Enhanced Matte is not a good match for this printer. See also the FAQ topic Quantitative Differences in Cool and Warm in Monochrome mode using Epson Premium Glossy.
How does Monochrome Photo mode compare with the Epson ABW mode and Cone Neutral K7 inks?
Note: Many people find that printing B&W using color profiles works extremely well and is more flexible, as discussed in this thread.
A comparison was done by John Hollenberg on Epson Enhanced Matte with results as follows:
Cone NK7 on Epson 2200 - very smooth tonal transitions, luminosity of highlights slightly less than Epson ABW mode; slightly warm (b* of 1-2 in all areas except deep shadows and highlights--very pleasing. Subjective rating 98.
Epson 2400 ABW Mode - tonal transitions not as smooth (e.g., clouds), but highlights slightly more luminous than NK7. Subjective rating 97.
Canon IPF5000 - prints measured as most neutral of the three prints, but appeared to have a yellowish/greenish hue under 4700 degree Solux task lamp. The midtones/highlights did not appear to track with paper white (which the Epson ABW mode and Cone NK7 inks did,and is the recommendation on the Epson Digital B&W list). This may have been the reason for the unpleasant appearance. It may be that a paper with a warm or neutral white point would not have this drawback (not tested yet). Subjective rating 70.
Update: Prints on Epson Premium Glossy were much better, so it may be that Epson Enhanced Matte is not a good match for this printer. See also the FAQ topic Quantitative Differences in Cool and Warm in Monochrome mode using Epson Premium Glossy.